Tesla to roll ‘Autopilot’ by 2015
Semi-autonomous hybrid could overtake Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac
American manufacturer Tesla Motors recently unveiled its dual electric motor production car, the Dual Motor Model S. The semi-autonomous electric car is expected to tip Tesla ahead of its luxury sedan competitors, such as General Motors, Audi and Volkswagen.
Tesla’s system, called ‘Autopilot’, will enable its Model S to steer and stay within its lane, change lanes with the simple tap of a turn signal, and manage speed by reading road signs and using active, traffic aware cruise control.
The company has said it will take “several months” for all Autopilot features to be completed and uploaded to the cars, but Tesla is aiming to make the semi-autonomous driving feature available in its electric cars by 2015.
Mercedes-Benz was the first brand to offer intelligent driving systems in its sedans. Its S class and E Class models are equipped to centre the car in its lane and navigate freeway curves. The system uses stereo cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors to feed information about the car’s surroundings into onboard computers, but requires the driver to keep a hand on the wheel.
Late last month, General Motors also announced it would introduce intelligent driving systems in its Cadillac models by 2015 as an effort to promote safe driving and reduce traffic congestion.
Electric-powered vehicles available in the Middle East include the hybrid Toyota Camry and Renault Twizy, a fully electric compact car launched in February 2014.
